Generator management system that selectively activates generators based on an operating parameter

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator that is adapted to supply power to a load and a first generator controller that operates the first generator. The generator management system further includes a second generator that is adapted to supply power to the load and a second generator controller that operates the second generator. The generator management system further includes a communication bus that connects the first generator controller and the second generator controller such that the first generator controller and the second generator controller exchange data. At least one of the first generator controller and the second generator controller selectively activates the first generator and the second generator in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the first generator and the second generator (as opposed to a fixed sequence which is done in existing systems).

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments pertain to a generator management system, and more particularly to a generator management system that selectively activates generators based on an operating parameter.

BACKGROUND

Electric generators are typically used to provide electrical power. One common use of electric generators is as a standby power source. Another common use of electric generators is to provide power at a remote location where utility company power is not available.

One common type of electric generator includes an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine drives an electrical alternator that produces alternating electricity.

Many existing system often include multiple electric generators, especially in situations where there is a potential high demand for power. There can be advantages to employing multiple small generators rather than a single large generator.

One of the advantages is that if one generator fails, or requires maintenance, a multi-generator system can still supply some power while a single generator system would otherwise not be able to meet demand. Another advantage is that load growth may be addressed by adding another generator rather than replacing an existing generator with a larger (and more expensive) generator.

Another advantage of using multiple generators is that it is possible to stop generators that are not needed to provide power at a particular point in time. Stopping generators (i) saves wear and tear on the generators; (ii) decreases sound emissions at a location; (iii) decreases fuel consumption (and corresponding harmful environmental emissions).

Stopped generators can also be restarted as demand increases. This starting and stopping of certain generators within a plurality of generators is referred to as generator management.

Some of the drawbacks with existing generator management systems may include (i) the need for expensive external controls in order to adequately start and stop particular generators; or (ii) unequal wear of the generators resulting from the inability to dynamically change the order in which each of the plurality of generators are started and stopped in response to changes in demand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an example generator management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an example generator management system 10. The generator management system 10 includes a first generator 11 that is adapted to supply power to a load L and a first generator controller 12 that operates the first generator 11. The generator management system 10 further includes a second generator 13 that is adapted to supply power to the load L and a second generator controller 14 that operates the second generator 13.

The generator management system 10 further includes a communication bus 15 that connects the first generator controller 12 and the second generator controller 14 such that the first generator controller 12 and the second generator controller 14 exchange data. At least one of the first generator controller 12 and the second generator controller 14 selectively activates the first generator 11 and the second generator 13 in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the first generator 11 and the second generator 13 (as opposed to a fixed sequence or order which is done in existing systems). Therefore, the generator management system 10 is able to dynamically change the order in which each of the first and second generators 11, 13 are started and stopped in order to meet a changing demand for power at the load L.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the generator management system 10 further includes a server 16 that is connected to the first and second generator controllers 12, 14 via a network (e.g. the Internet I). It should be noted that in embodiments that include server 16, at least one of the first generator controller 12, the second generator controller 14 and the server 16 may selectively activate the first generator 11 and the second generator 13 in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the first generator 11 and the second generator 13.

In some embodiments, the order in which the first generator 11 and the second generator 13 are selectively activated depends on a total number of run hours that is associated with each of the first and second generators 11, 13. As an example, the order may be established such that the one of the first generator and the second generator 11, 13 with the lower number of total run hours is selected to activate first.

Embodiments are also contemplated where the order depends on a total amount of emissions that are generated by each of the first and second generators 11, 13. As an example, the order is established such that the one of the first generator 11 and the second generator 13 which generates fewer emissions is selected to activate first.

It should be noted that various different types of emissions may be used to establish the order for selectively activating the first generator 11 and the second generator 13. Example emissions include hydrocarbon emissions and sound emissions (among others).

In some embodiments, the order in which the first generator 11 and the second generator 13 are selectively activated depends on a cost that is associated with operating each of the first and second generators 11, 13. As an example, the cost may be determined by a rate of fuel consumption of each of the first and second generators 11, 13. As another example, the cost may be determined by maintenance costs that are associated with operating each of the first and second generators 11, 13.

Embodiments are also contemplated where the order depends on a pre-fault condition that exists for each of the first and second generators 11, 13. One example pre-fault condition may be low fuel level. As an example, when one of the first and second generators 11, 13 has a low fuel level, the other of the first and second generators 11, 13 may be selectively activated first.

In embodiments where the first and second generators 11, 13 each supply the load through circuit breakers, an example pre-fault condition may be that one of the circuit breakers is unable to open. In this example, the generator that is connected to the load through the circuit breaker that is unable to open is selectively activated first.

In embodiments where the first and second generators 11, 13 each include an engine, the pre-fault condition may relate to an operating parameter of the respective engine. Some examples of pre-fault condition that relates to engines include; high coolant temperature warning, low oil pressure warning, sensor malfunction and low battery voltage warning.

Embodiments are also contemplated where the order depends on the age of the fuel with each respective engine. As an example, when one of the first and second generators 11, 13 has an older fuel supply, that generator 11, 13 that includes the older fuel supply may be selectively activated first to consume the older fuel.

In some embodiments, the order in which the first generator 11 and the second generator 13 are selectively activated depends on a minimum load requirement for each of the first and second generators 11, 13. As an example, the minimum load requirement may be set by local emissions standards.

Embodiments are contemplated where a secondary operating parameter is designated for selectively activating one of the first and second generators when the primary operating parameter is effectively equal.

As an example, during operation of the generator management system 10, the first and second generators 11, 13 will tend to equalize their primary operating parameter (e.g., fuel levels within the first and second generators 11, 13 will tend to equalize when the fuel level is the primary operating parameter). In addition, external activity may tend to equalize the primary operating parameter (e.g., when a fuel equalizing tube is placed between the first and second generators 11, 13).

It should be noted although only first and second generators 11, 13 are described herein, the generator management system 10 may include any additional number of generators. The generator management system 10 would be able to selectively activate some (or all) of the additional generators in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the generators.

The generator management systems 10 described herein may serve to equalize some primary (and possibly secondary) operating parameter of the generators that are part of the generator management system 10. In addition, the generator management systems 10 described may be able to dynamically change the order in which each of the generators within the generator management systems 10 are started and stopped to meet changing load demands (without the need for expensive external controls).

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

We claim:
 1. A method for dynamically controlling one or more generators adapted to supply power to a load, the method comprising: receiving first data indicative of an operating parameter of a first generator; performing a comparison of the first data to second data for a second generator; and determining a sequence for operating the first generator and the second generator based on the comparison.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: dynamically updating the sequence for the first generator and the second generator.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequence is an order for starting the first generator and the second generator.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first generator is adapted to provide power to a load and the second generator is adapted to provide power to the load.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data is a number of run hours for the first generator.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data is an amount of emissions produced by the first generator.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data is based on maintenance or fuel consumption of the first generator.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data indicative is based on a pre-fault condition of the first generator.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the pre-fault condition is a low fuel condition, a circuit breaker condition, a coolant temperature condition, an oil pressure condition, or a sensor malfunction.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequence is an order for stopping the first generator and the second generator.
 11. An apparatus comprising: a first generator configured to supply power to a load; a controller configured to operate the first generator; and a communication bus that connects the first generator to a second generator configured to supply power to the load, the communication bus configured to communicate second generator data indicative of an operating parameter of a second generator to the controller, wherein the controller compares the second generator data with first generator data indicative of the operating parameter of the first generator, and dynamically updates a sequence for operating the first generator and the second generator based on the comparison.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the sequence is an order for starting or stopping the first generator and the second generator.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the operating parameter is a number of run hours of the respective generator.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the operating parameter is an amount of emissions produced by the respective generator.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the operating parameter is an amount of fuel consumption or a cost of operating the respective generator.
 16. A server in communication with a first generator electrically coupled to a load and a second generator electrically coupled to the load, the server configured to: receive first data indicative of an operating parameter of the first generator; receive second data indicative of an operating parameter of the second generator; perform a comparison of the first data and the second data; and determine a sequence for the first generator and the second generator based on the comparison.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the server is further configured to communicate the sequence to the first generator.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the server is further configured to dynamically update the sequence for the first generator and the second generator.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the sequence is an order for starting or stopping the first generator and the second generator.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the first data indicative of the operating parameter of the first generator is a number of run hours, an amount of emissions, an amount of fuel consumption, an operating cost, or a pre-fault condition of the first generator. 